18 THE CATTLE OP GREAT BRITAIN. 



matter, but swarm with bacteria and other living organisms 

 which plaj an important part in producing morbid changes and 

 disease ; and, he adds, that whilst non-breeding adult animals 

 may drink such water without visible injury, " In pregnant 

 animals the delicate foetus is like a sensitive barometer, its 

 development and life depending absolutely upon the purity of 

 the maternal blood ; it is influenced by variations and agents 

 against which independent life may be proof." Cases are 

 mentioned by Mr. Stephenson in which abortion has been 

 caused in a herd by the tise of bulls that are not efficient 

 workers, or are actually diseased. Ergotised grass is very 

 generally considered a frequent cause, and there is some colour 

 for this in the fact that abortion often occurs in wet, cold, 

 un genial seasons, which also favour the fungus ; but Mr. 

 Stephenson thinks it is often innocently blamed, and that, 

 instead of being a frequent cause of abortion, it is an exceedingly 

 rare one, If the natural food is unwholesome — i.e., deficient in 

 nutritive properties, which is the case in ungenial summers, the 

 system becomes deranged, and we may have abortion. We 

 think there is little doubt that the disease may be, and is often, 

 spread by sympathetic action set up by the act of abortion and 

 by the smell given off, and in this sense Mr. Stephenson 

 considers it infectious. We quote his remarks on treatment, 

 as they are concise and comprehensive. " Promptly isolate all 

 cows that have aborted, or in which the premonitory symptoms 

 of it are observed. Destroy the aborted calf, membranes, and 

 discharges ; do not bury them in a manure heap or in any place 

 to which cattle have access, but in some place where they cannot 

 possibly do any harm. Disinfect the place where the abortion 

 occurred, and the cow in her seclusion ; this must be continued 

 for some time. Have the floor, bedding, manure, and air 

 saturated with the disinfectant, and if no recognised disinfectant 

 is at hand use quicklime freely. If possible find out the cause 

 of the abortion ; if successful take immediate measures to prevent 

 further mischief. Keep the patient on light sloppy food, attend 

 to her general health, and the condition of the bowels. If the 

 uterine discharges are copious, offensive, or the membranes are 

 attacked, wash out the vagina with tepid water containing 

 Sanitas or Condy's fluid." This may be done once or twice a 



